With torque and horsepower, once you have it, it's hard to ever give it up.

Same goes with suspension, once you ride a bike that has been tailored to you (suspension speaking), it's hard to imagine life before.

It's funny how people spend thousands of $$$$ to literally chase 3-5 hp/5-8lbs of torque (which 90% will never properly utilize anyway), when the money can be better used in brakes/suspension that will not only improve their comfort, but it can make you a better, more confident and safer rider.

Jinks, it all comes down to how close the service center is to where you live as to whether you get Ohlins or Wilbers. I ride with Ghostrider1964 and he has both, Wilbers on one GSA and Ohlins on the other GSA, I have Ohlins on my GSA and they were built for me, longer because I'm 6'8" with a 40" inseam and a heavier spring and valving because I'm 325lbs. So it all come down to the service for the shock, what's closer?

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I'd be unstoppable if not for Law Enforcement and Physics !
When your 6'8" with a 40" inseam, the bikes that fit you are limited ! ! !

IIRC, the Ohlins is a standard body and the spring is selected for your weight when you order the shock. Individual shops may elect to adjust the valving on the Ohlins but that is not a factory option.

The Wilbers shock is built to order and so the valving can be adjusted during the factory assembly of the shock. Whether that actually happens or they just throw in a standard shim stack, I do not know.

I have had both and both are quality units. I did wait several weeks longer to get the Wilbers unit as they come from Europe and the Ohlins was stocked in the US.

I don't know what you mean by 'factory option'? You can't buy Ohlins from the Ohlins USA website, it's dealers.

The quality Ohlins vendors, like Pro-pilot in New Jersey or the inmates vendors who sell Ohlins talk to you and sell you a shock based on riding style, weight, and whatever else you care to tell them.

I suppose you could just order from touratech and adjust your spring rate but why? So, yes, go with a quality vendor. Pro-Pilot will also rebuild your shock for about 90 dollars plus any parts in about 2 days.

But, like I said, if you're in Oregon or South Carolina there's an Ohlin dealer ready to help should you have issues.

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"So what makes this protest different is that you're set to die, Bobby?"
--May well come to that.
"You start a hunger strike to protest for what you believe in. You don't start already determined to die or am I missing somethin' here?"
-- It's in their hands. Our message is clear. They're seeing our determination.

Jinx, just went through the same thing myself. The biggest deciding factor was ease of rebuild. I could have the Ohlins done at the shop I take my bike to and not have to ship them back. Both are great quality, both have great reputation, and the difference from OEM is amazing. In the long run it will come down to personal preference. Dan here in the vendor section gives prices on Ohlins that cant be beat. Good luck on your decision.

Did you mean DEAN at www.Burke-Motorsports.Com? That is the only vendor I currently see that is selling Ohlins at a discount for ADV members. ???

I believe most aftermarket shocks comes with a standard shim stack. In most cases,only e springs are tailored to your weight. Over in Singapore, most Ohlins shock comes with e 140 rear spring by factory unless u request for a different one. Whatever aftermarket shocks we have or own, it will only behave like one when u have it dialled in or set up correctly. Most riders only know how to ride and say it feels good cos of e branding when it's actually not set up properly. I was also told that Ohlins required shorter service intervals compared to the other brands. Wonder how true is that? I'm riding an 01 R1150GS with both Ohlins level 2 shocks front & rear. Just had it rebuilt last week and it feels uber plush now. I had it set up myself and so far, it has performed way better than I expected. Hope that helps...